Rule #1: Don't Just Stop

I have to start with this one because I see it happen at least twenty times a day. When you're walking down the sidewalk, for all that is good in this crazy world of ours, DO NOT JUST STOP. There are 8 million people in New York City, as well as millions of commuters and tourists-- SOMEONE IS BEHIND YOU. I understand that you might need to stop and check your directions or that you suddenly realize you forgot something back at the office, or you aren't sure you've walked the right way-- but holy shit, peel off in one direction or another before you decide to just stand dead in your tracks, causing people to bump into you or dodge awkwardly around you to avoid assault charges.

Think of it like driving: people are all moving at varying speeds together and if one person suddenly stops, there's a four car pile-up, a small child gets punched in the face by an airbag, and some asshole sues McDonald's for making their coffee too hot. You would never slam on the brakes for no apparent reason (unless you were driving a cab), so why slam on your brakes when you're walking? Pull over. THEN check directions, eat, or wave wildly at the person you know who you would never invite to hangout, but since you're seeing them on the streets randomly you think it's neat. There's nothing wrong with stopping to get your bearings, but don't freeze abruptly like the condom just broke.